Houston Texans Rumors: Arian Foster's Uncertain Contract Status Could Make it Tough to Keep Mario Williams
Friday, February 10, 2012
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| HoustonTexans.com |
NFL Writer
The Houston Texans are faced with the task of re-signing Pro Bowl running back Arian Foster this offseason.
Foster is currently a restricted free-agent and will more than likely command a monster-sized deal.
The former Tennessee running back went undrafted in 2009 and was signed to the Texans' practice squad, but it wasn't long before he broke out.
Foster has rushed for 3,097 yards in just 35 games for the Texans. And for his efforts, the Pro Bowl has come calling in consecutive years. With these types of numbers and the impact he has had on the Texans' offense, Foster is the type of player you pay big bucks for.
Unfortunately, the Texans are in a tight spot when it comes to the salary cap. Former first-round draft pick Mario Williams is also a free agent and it will be tough to hand over two large deals this offseason.
Foster was paid $525,000 last year and he will definitely require at least a contract similar to the four-year, $53.5 million contract that the Tennessee Titans gave Chris Johnson.
The Texans do have Ben Tate behind Foster on the depth chart, who showed signs of brilliance this past season when he rushed for 942 yards on 175 attempts. Tate has great speed and agility, but lacks the awareness and cutback speed Foster has.
Both have an injury history as Foster had some nagging knee and hamstring injuries over the past season and Tate came back from the broken ankle he suffered in 2010.
Both have an injury history as Foster had some nagging knee and hamstring injuries over the past season and Tate came back from the broken ankle he suffered in 2010.
Foster has discussed how he wants to stay in Houston and be part of the Texans' future and there is little doubt the team will look to lock him up, possibly in the realm of a five-year deal. This will however force the departure of Williams since he is an unrestricted free agent this year and the Texans really don’t have the cap space for both.
With the emergence of Wade Phillips' young defense, locking down Foster and keeping him healthy will be their key to success and a further run in the playoffs.
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With the emergence of Wade Phillips' young defense, locking down Foster and keeping him healthy will be their key to success and a further run in the playoffs.
Follow National Football Authority on Twitter: @NFAuthority
For more NFL coverage, follow @NFA_NFL
Don't forget to "Like" NFA on Facebook, too!
Related stories on NFA:
New Orleans Saints Rumors: Is WR Robert Meachem the Odd Man Out This Offseason?
Washington Redskins Rumors: Big Names Could Answer Quarterback Questions
